Fiji rugby hero Waisale Serevi, regarded as one of the world greats of sevens rugby, has been sacked as Fiji's sevens coach just four months into his contract, officials confirmed Wednesday.
Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) acting chief executive officer Keni Dakuidreketi told a press conference they had difficulty working with the sevens maestro and accused him of not following procedures.
"The board reached the decision (to sack Serevi) yesterday afternoon after a lengthy board meeting and it was a unanimous decision and is of immediate effect," he said.
The FijiLive website said differences over the team selected for the New Zealand round of the IRB Sevens series next week prompted the dismissal.
"It is sad, but it is their decision," Serevi said. "I am without a job and I wish Fiji well in rugby." He has been replaced by former Auckland winger Iliesa Tanivula, the coach of the Fijian sevens reserve team.
Serevi said he was handed his dismissal letter minutes before taking a team training run on Wednesday and believed his sacking may have been connected to remarks he made on a television programme "Extra Time" the previous night.
In the programme he expressed disappointment at the team chosen for the Wellington round of the IRB Sevens series.
He said the four selectors had chosen an inexperienced team not suited for the cauldron of Wellington.
Serevi led Fiji to their first world series title in 2006 as player-coach. He was also captain of the Fiji squads that won the Rugby World Cup sevens in 1997 and 2005.
He was replaced as coach in 2007 but following a public outcry he was reappointed in September last year.
Sapa-AFP Rugbyweek.com
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